On the Clock: Cincinnati Bengals (#6 Overall)

Yes, the Bengals need a little bit of every position. They need to have a strong 2009 draft to keep from slipping back into the Bengals of yesteryear. The Bengals need a dominate defensive player more than anything. On offense, look for the Bengals, who were decimated by injuries last year, to improve their depth at each skill position.

Choice #1: Eugene Monroe, OL, Virginia

I stated earlier that the Bengals need a defensive player. Well, it’s is the Bengals, so they won’t take a defensive player this high. Look for the team to tap into the rich offensive line pool of this year’s draft and take monster tackle Eugene Monroe. Monroe missed only two games with an injury in his entire career, appearing in the rest. I would like to see him get a little stronger, but he has the physical tools and the experience to make an impact right away for the Bengals, who were 30th in the league last year in sacks allowed.

Choice #2: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

Maclin is a bit of a reach at the number #6 spot, but the Bengals are looking for a complementary receiver for Chad Ocho Cinco since the departure of T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Maclin is the perfect complement. He’s speedy (4.45 40-yard dash), has reliable hands, and is an excellent slot player which the Bengals are in need of. However, this is a little high for him. The Bengals could also get lucky if the Seahawks (who signed T.J. Houshmandzadeh aways from the Bengals) choose not to pick Crabtree, which then the Bengals could take him instead.